Grieving is a Difficult Process

Grieving is a difficult process, and that process may involve a long time. There is no time limit for grief. You really don’t want to forget a loved one and, therefore, during those times and places where and when we remember, the pain of grief may come with that remembrance. Grieving is difficult because it is frequently mixed with anger. You may be angry with the person who has died because they did not go to the physician earlier or did not comply with doctor’s orders. You may be angry at God for permitting death to be a part of life’s journey. You may be angry at relatives and friends who give you strong but unsolicited advice. You may be angry at yourself for not having been a better person. My suggestions are: (1) recognize that anger is part of grief’s journey and (2) try not to take your anger out on those you live with or are close to you. I recommend journaling as a place to write your anger. A journal which no one will ever read.

We need to protect each other’s right to live and worship as we believe.

“Remember, the greatest evils are not done by people who believe that what they do is wicked, but by those who believe that what they do is righteous!” (Jesus and the Powers, N.T. Wright & Michael Bird, pg. 148). I fear this notion of Christian Nationalism. It has a deep and strong foothold in America, especially among political organizations that seek the blind assistance of Church leaders and folks. Churches have become blinded by their ego needs for a place at the political table of decision making. The USA is a nation of plural religious bodies, Muslims, Christians, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, etc. We are also a variety of nationalities, skin color, languages, etc. We are not only a white, English speaking, Christian nation. We need to protect each other’s right to live and worship as we believe.